RITZ CRACKER MEATLOAF

Ritz Cracker Meatloaf is the best meatloaf you’ll ever try! Simple meatloaf recipe that is made with crushed Ritz crackers, cheddar cheese and onion soup mix and has so much flavor!

For many years, I wasn’t a huge fan of meatloaf. It was always dry and didn’t have much flavor. But then I had a slice of meatloaf once that was absolutely amazing and I realized I just never had good meatloaf before! I’ve experimented with many different recipes and I think that this Ritz Cracker Meatloaf is my favorite so far.

Ritz Cracker Meatloaf

Meatloaf is generally made with oats or breadcrumbs, but using Ritz crackers adds more flavor to the meat. Add some cheddar cheese, Lipton onion soup mix, eggs, ketchup and steak sauce to crackers and ground beef for even more moisture and flavor. Add a simple topping made with ketchup, dried mustard and brown sugar to really put this meatloaf over the top. The topping is absolutely amazing…so don’t leave it off!

INGREDIENTS IN RITZ CRACKER MEATLOAF

Ground beef – You will need a pound of ground beef to make the meatloaf. I prefer to use a leaner ground beef (90% fat) for meatloaf so that there isn’t too much extra grease in the pan once it bakes, but if you use an extremely lean beef (94-96%), the meatloaf may be a little too dry. You can also swap this out with ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer, but the taste will definitely be different.

Ritz crackers – The recipe calls for ½ cup of crushed Ritz crackers. This is equivalent to about 12 crackers. You can crush them in a food processor or blender or you can place the crackers in a Ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin or a meat mallet. Club crackers work well too!

Cheese – Adding 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese adds amazing flavor to the meatloaf. You can use any type of cheese or combination of cheeses.

Lipton onion soup mix – You will need one packet of dry Lipton onion soup mix. Another ingredient that I had never added to meatloaf before, but it’s such a convenient way to add so much flavor!

Eggs – You will need 2 eggs to help bind everything together. Make sure to beat them with a fork for a minute before adding to the meat mixture.

Ketchup and steak sauce -Just a little bit of ketchup and steak sauce add even more flavor and moisture to the meatloaf.

MEATLOAF TOPPING: 

Ketchup – You will need 2/3 cup of ketchup for the base of the meatloaf topping.

Dried mustard – Just 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried mustard adds the perfect flavor to tone down the ketchup flavor- it’s almost magical how it transforms the sauce to taste so much better than regular ketchup.

Brown sugar – 1/2 cup of brown sugar sweetens up the topping perfectly.

HOW TO MAKE RITZ CRACKER MEATLOAF

HOW LONG DO YOU COOK MEATLOAF FOR?

It is important for Meatloaf to be cooked all the way through.  You will want your loaf to reach an internal temperature of 155° F. Most meatloaf recipes will require you to cook your meatloaf for at least one hour. Be sure to use a proper meat thermometer to get an accurate reading.

My all-time favorite meat thermometer is the Thermapen. It’s super fast and incredibly durable. Another great meat thermometer is the ThermoPop which is a more basic version that works just as well!

CAN YOU REHEAT MEATLOAF?

Yes, you can reheat meatloaf in the microwave or oven or smoker. Make sure leftovers are properly stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Leftovers will be good for 3-5 days. I’m a huge fan of leftover meatloaf sandwiches!

CAN YOU FREEZE MEATLOAF?

Yes, you can freeze meatloaf.  If the meatloaf has already been cooked, it is easier to slice, wrap each slice in plastic wrap and store the slices in an airtight container. The meatloaf should be good for up to 3 months in the freezer. Pull out each slice, unwrap and then thaw out for a few minutes before reheating in the microwave or oven.

For raw meatloaf wrap the whole loaf in plastic wrap and place in an airtight freezer bag. Raw meatloaf should last up to six months in the freezer. Once ready to cook, set the frozen meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight to thaw and then place in loaf pan and cook according to the regular instructions.

CAN I DOUBLE THIS RECIPE FOR RITZ CRACKER MEATLOAF?

Yes, you can always double the recipe. Just two loaf pans and then you’ll have enough to serve a crowd!

More delicious meatloaf recipes to try:

• Reduce the cooking time a little bit by making the meatloaf smaller! These Mini Cheddar Meatloaves are very popular, and Meatloaf Cupcakes are perfectly portioned and easy to serve.
• If you want to try meatloaf with a twist, this Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf is a delicious option.
• Don’t want to turn on the oven? This Best Smoked Meatloaf is made in a smoker!

Ritz Cracker Meatloaf is the best meatloaf you’ll ever try! Simple meatloaf recipe that is made with crushed Ritz crackers, cheddar cheese, and onion soup mix and has so much flavor!